Vietnam announces the country’s provincial innovation index (PII) for the first time
Hà Nội – The Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST) held a meeting on March 12 to announce the Provincial Innovation Index 2023 (PII), the first of its kind. The index aims to provide a general panorama of the socio-economic development model based on science, technology, and innovation of each provincial-level locality.
A tool for “diagnosing the health” of provincial economies
The Provincial Innovation Index (PII) has 52 indicators divided into seven pillars. The five input pillars reflect factors that create favourable conditions for socioeconomic development based on science, technology, and innovation, including (1) institutions, (2) human resources and research and development, (3) infrastructure, (4) market development level and (5) enterprise development level. The two output pillars are (6) knowledge, creativity, and tech products, and (7) impact.
The index is built closely to the structure of the global innovation index GII (Global Innovation Index) published annually by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and used by the Government in management. Operating since 2017.
For the first time, in 2023, the Academy of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Ministry of Science and Technology, developed the index nationwide. The index aims to provide scientifically based and practical tools for leadership at all levels to make decisions, develop and implement policies, and provide helpful reference information on the investment environment, resource conditions for production, and business activities at the local level.
The assessment results show the compatibility and similarity between the PII 2023 results and the current status of the socio-economic development of localities. Localities in the leading group have favourable natural and geographical conditions (concentrated in the Red River Delta, Southeast Region), with industry construction and services accounting for a high proportion of the economic structure, with many industrial parks, developed infrastructure and robust science, technology and innovation activities.
In contrast, localities in the last group still have limitations in socio-economic development, and their geographical locations and natural conditions are not favourable for developing and applying science, technology, and innovation to socio-economic development (concentrated in the Central Highlands, Midlands and Northern Mountainous regions).
The rankings of innovation in cities and provinces
According to the Provincial Innovation Index (PII) 2023 results. Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hai Phong, Da Nang, and Can Tho are the top 5 cities in the ranking.
The five provinces with developed industries are Bac Ninh (6th), Ba Ria—Vung Tau (7th), Binh Duong (8th), Quang Ninh (9th), and Thai Nguyen (10th).
These are all provinces and cities with developed industries, accounting for a high proportion of the economic structure. The top 10 are also leading localities in socio-economic regions, with high levels of infrastructure, market development, and businesses compared to the national average. Human capital and research and development (R&D) of the top 10 provinces and cities also surpass those of other localities.
Hanoi ranked first at the innovation output and input level with 62.86 points, leading to 14/52 component indexes. Among these are indicators of research and development and innovation, such as human resources, spending on research and development, the number of science and technology organisations, and the proportion of enterprises with research and development activities. The proportion of businesses with innovation activities and intellectual property outputs, such as inventions, valuable solutions, and industrial styles, is growing.
Ho Chi Minh City achieved 55.85 points and was ranked second, the leading locality in 12/52 component indexes. These include indicators such as policies to support small and medium-sized enterprises, digital infrastructure, the proportion of enterprises with research and development activities, the proportion of enterprises with innovation activities, and some products related to intellectual property, patent applications, and utility solutions.
Hai Phong ranked third in the country and is the second-ranked locality in the Red River Delta, with a score of 52.32. This locality is ranked second in the country as an institution, leading in policies to promote science and innovative technology to serve socio-economic development.
Da Nang ranked fourth with a score of 50.70, leading 5/52 component indexes. These include indicators such as spending on science and technology, number of science and technology organizations, private sector credit, business density, and number of newly established businesses. Da Nang is considered to have many strengths in digital infrastructure and e-governance.
Can Tho ranked fifth but second in innovation output after Hanoi. This locality excels in intellectual products and technological innovation with patent applications, valuable solutions, and plant varieties.
In the opposite direction, the ten provinces at the bottom of the rankings include Cao Bang, Lai Chau, Gia Lai, Ha Giang, Dien Bien, Yen Bai, Son La, Bac Kan, Quang Tri, and Dak Nong.
Six socio-economic regions rank on the 2023 PII index. Localities in the Red River Delta region have the highest average score (45.17 points), followed by Southeast regions (44.81 points). Localities in the North-Central and Central Coast regions and the Mekong Delta have average scores close to each other. The two areas, the Central Highlands and the Northern Midland and Mountainous region, have almost identical low average scores, 32.72 points and 32.19 points, respectively.
“The PII is a useful document, providing scientific and practical bases for agencies, organizations, individuals and directly local leaders to use in building and implementing policies.” policies to promote local socio-economic development based on science, technology and innovation. The Ministry of Science and Technology believes this will be a valuable reference for investors on the investment environment and resource conditions for production and business activities in localities”.
Sources: Vneconomy, Vietnamnews, VIR.
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